An Ibadan tanker accident has claimed two lives and left several others hospitalised after a heavy-duty vehicle lost control in the heart of the city. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when a truck suffered a suspected brake failure at the busy Beere roundabout.
The vehicle, identified as a Mack truck belonging to Bovas Oil, reportedly careened out of control before crashing into the Oje Market axis. Along its path, the truck rammed into roadside traders, pedestrians, and several vehicles, throwing the ancient city into a state of panic.
Beere Roundabout Brake Failure Triggers Market Chaos
Witnesses described a scene of absolute destruction as the tanker descended uncontrollably towards the crowded fruit market. Beyond the loss of life, the crash damaged five tricycles and a Toyota Camry.
Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that the bodies of a man and a woman have been moved to the morgue.
He added, “Preliminary findings reveal that the incident occurred when a Mack truck belonging to Bovas Oil lost control while in motion from the Beere area and subsequently crashed along the Oje Market axis… The truck was driven by a male adult who is currently at large.”
Stricter Oyo State Road Safety Regulations Demanded
In the wake of the Ibadan tanker accident, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West, commiserated with the victims’ families. In a statement via his media aide, Tolu Mustapha, the lawmaker described the event as “heartbreaking.”
Emergency Response and Calls for Accountability
“This is a painful and unfortunate incident that has brought grief to many families and disrupted economic activities in the area,” Olajide said.
He praised the swift response of emergency agencies but stressed that more must be done regarding Oyo State road safety.
Hon. Olajide specifically called for a thorough investigation and stricter enforcement of regulations for heavy-duty vehicles operating in densely populated urban zones to prevent a repeat of such a tragic Ibadan tanker accident.
